Five Draft Prospects for Pirates to Consider In Round 1
The 2025 MLB Draft is two weeks away, with Round 1 beginning Sunday, July 13th. Last offseason’s draft lottery has the Pittsburgh Pirates selecting sixth overall in this year’s draft. Here are five draft prospects that the Bucs could look to take; assuming their availability.
Aiva Arquette
p/c: Icon Sportswire
Aiva Arquette was originally taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks as an 18th round pick out of high school in 2022, but opted to attend the University of Washington instead.
After two seasons at Washington, Arquette transferred to Oregon State for the 2025 season. In 310 plate appearances with the Beavers, he put up a .354/.461/.654 slash, along with 19 homers.
Arquette is a big shortstop, as his 6’5, 220 pound profile would suggest. His power is developing, and with good bat speed, could hit 20-25 home runs at the position. While Arquette’s range at short is considered average, his soft hands and strong arm should be enough keep him there long-term.
Billy Carlson
p/c: Tracy Proffitt
One of the best prep players projected in the ‘25 draft is Corona High School standout Billy Carlson.
At 6’1, 185, Carlson’s showing in MLB’s High School All-American Game and the Area Code Games has raised his stock significantly into being a Top 10 draft prospect.
Carlson displays quick, bat speed, with a steady, line-drive approach. There could be more power potential once he matures and he’s able to make more consistent contact. On defense, there’s no doubt that Carlson should stick at shortstop, as scouts have raved about his plus arm and range, which some have given a 70 grade.
Whoever drafts Carlson will need to sway him away from his commitment to the University of Tennessee.
Jamie Arnold
p/c: Isiah Vazquez
Even before 2025, one draft prospect that had emerged as arguably the best pitcher was Florida State left-hander Jamie Arnold.
Much like 2024, Arnold dominated again this year with the Seminoles, posting the same identical ERA of 2.98. Combined with his sophomore and junior seasons, he struck out 278 batters in 190.1 innings, for a 13.2 K/9.
When Arnold first arrived to Florida State, his fastball only sat low-90’s. Since then, it’s been regularly sitting in the mid-90’s; topping out 97 at times. The slider is Arnold’s bread & butter offering, which he induces tons of whiffs with, and is rated the best slider in the ‘25 draft class. He also has a changeup that isn’t used much, but could be a good third pitch, if he starts to throw it more as a pro. Aside from the terrific, stuff, Arnold has been able to fool batters, with a deceptive, delivery that closely resembles Chris Sale.
Liam Doyle
p/c: Tennessee Athletics
Jamie Arnold isn’t the only college southpaw projected to go Top 10 in this year’s draft, as University of Tennessee’s Liam Doyle has made a strong case for himself.
Tennessee was the third school Doyle pitched for, this after attending Coastal Carolina as a freshman and Ole Miss as a sophomore.
Doyle’s junior year for the Vols this year was outstanding; pitching to an ERA of 3.20, a 0.99 WHIP, and a baffling, 15.4 K/9 (164 strikeouts in 95.2 innings). Not surprisingly, he was named the 2025 SEC Pitcher of the Year.
The 6’2, 220 pound Doyle possesses a powerful, fastball that go upper-90’s and reach 100 on occasion. His four-seamer has been deemed the best entering the draft, because of the velocity and its high release point. As a matter of fact, 64% of his strikeouts came with the fastball. Doyle went from a changeup to a splitter and has seen better results with it. The slider and cutter are decent offerings, but have caught too much plate for Doyle’s liking.
Some scouts question whether Doyle will be a starting pitcher long-term due to his unorthodox delivery, as well as throwing with maximum effort. That said, whichever team drafts Doyle should give him every chance to be a starter.
Seth Hernandez
p/c: Tracy Proffitt
When it comes to prep talent, Corona High School will be well represented in the ‘25 draft. Along with shortstop Billy Carlson, who was mentioned earlier in this post, comes his equally talented teammate, Seth Hernandez.
Notable accolades, such as the Gatorade National Player of the Year, has put Hernandez on the map as a top-tier, draft prospect.
At 6’4, 190 pounds, it’s a projectable frame, for the 19-year-old righty. During the Area Code Games, he dialed up triple-digits on the fastball, although it generally sits 95 and top out at 98. Unlike most high schoolers that seldom throw a changeup, Hernandez not only uses it frequently, but it’s already a plus pitch. He has a curveball with 12-6 action and excellent spin, and a slider, which has the makings of an above average offering.
Hernandez could be one of the most difficult players to sign, given his strong commitment to Vanderbilt.